Church Going Gone - a biography of religion, doubt, and faith

Brian Mountford's memoir, "Church Going," chronicles his life as a priest in Britain, covering social change from the 1950s to the COVID-19 crisis. It explores his liberal theological ideas, addressing spiritual questioning and the hunger for meaning beyond organized religion. The book offers an engaging and thought-provoking perspective, appealing to readers beyond the church community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2021
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

In this captivating memoir, spanning from his childhood in the 1950s to the midst of the COVID crisis, Brian Mountford delves into the remarkable journey of his life as a priest, witnessing a transformative era of immense social change and the secularization of Britain. The book opens with a vibrant portrayal of London in the swinging sixties, followed by his experiences in Cambridge college life during the seventies, the suburban comforts of the eighties, and a remarkable thirty-year tenure as Vicar of the renowned University Church in Oxford, known as the "most visited parish church in England." Throughout his journey, Mountford infuses his narrative with a rich tapestry of humor and anecdotes, offering a captivating glimpse into his personal and theological perspectives. With a keen eye for detail, he unpacks his liberal theological ideas, tackling profound questions such as the nature of God, the purpose of life, sexual ethics, and the intricate relationship between doubt and faith. A central theme that emerges from his writings is the notion that the decline of organized religion has not diminished the innate human quest for spiritual exploration. Drawing inspiration from Philip Larkin's renowned poem "Church Going," which serves as the book's title, Mountford asserts that people of all ages continue to harbor a deep longing to be more serious, akin to the hunger expressed in the poem. This memoir and its insightful essay content have the potential to captivate a far broader audience than those who actively participate in church services. It offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on faith, spirituality, and the human condition, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789048124